Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake

Name: Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 cups peeled and diced apples; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Soft Recipes

I absolutely love baking, and there's something special about a warm, cinnamon-scented cake filled with juicy apples. This Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake is my go-to recipe for fall gatherings and cozy family desserts. The combination of sweet apples and aromatic cinnamon creates a fragrant delight that fills the kitchen with warmth. Every bite is tender and comforting, making it impossible to resist the urge to go back for seconds. Whether enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply on its own, this cake is a true treat for the senses.

Created by

Aileen Prescott

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:51:35.490Z

Baking this Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake has become a cherished tradition in my household. The beauty of this recipe lies in how the apples transform as they cook, releasing their natural sweetness and moisture. I find that mixing a variety of apple types adds complexity to the flavor, so I often use Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp together.

One unique tip I've discovered is to use a touch of lemon juice in the batter. It enhances the apple’s flavor and keeps the cake tender. Be sure to let the cake cool slightly before slicing; it makes for cleaner cuts and brings out the lovely aroma as it's served.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth
Warm spices that create a comforting atmosphere
Perfect for sharing with friends and family

      

Baking Tips for Success

When baking the Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake, it’s crucial to measure your flour accurately. Lightly spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag. This helps prevent the cake from becoming dense. If you find yourself with slightly more apples than needed, feel free to adjust the quantity a little. The apples add moisture and flavor, so they can be a bit forgiving.

For a lighter crumb, make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This step aerates the butter, creating a fluffy base for your cake. Additionally, giving the eggs time to warm up can improve the emulsion when mixed, resulting in a rich fluffy texture. Always incorporate each ingredient fully before moving on to the next to avoid overmixing later.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of apples in this cake is crucial to achieving optimal flavor and texture. I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith for tang and Honeycrisp for sweetness. This blend provides balance, ensuring the cake isn’t overly sweet. To prepare your apples, peel and dice them into uniform pieces—about half an inch works well. This size allows them to cook evenly within the cake without becoming mushy.

Buttermilk is another key ingredient that contributes to the cake's tender texture. Its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create a fluffy rise. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using it in your batter.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled and diced apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Topping

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture until fully incorporated.

Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples and lemon juice until evenly distributed.

Add Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

To prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a little flour before adding them to the batter.

Making Ahead and Storage

This cake can be made a day or two in advance, making it an excellent option for gatherings. Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. To keep it moist, place a slice of bread in the container with the cake; it will help maintain the humidity. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it well in plastic and then foil, and it will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cake, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or warm up the whole cake in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This reheating method restores the cake's lovely, soft texture and warms up the flavors beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

While this Soft Baked Cinnamon Apple Cake is delightful on its own, serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates it to a whole new level. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm spices and juicy apples, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for chilly evenings. For an adult twist, consider drizzling it with caramel sauce or a dash of bourbon for added depth of flavor.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with the spices. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a new flavor dimension. Chopped walnuts or pecans can also be folded into the batter to add a delightful crunch. Remember to keep an eye on the baking time if you alter the recipe, as the added ingredients might affect how quickly the cake sets.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different fruits?

Yes, pears or berries can be substituted for apples, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary.

→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This cake freezes well. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Certainly! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a delicious gluten-free version.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.